Rockville, Maryland Domestic Violence Attorneys

Lawyers for Domestic Assault and Related Charges in Rockville, MD

Conflicts between family members can involve strong emotions, and these disputes can sometimes lead to allegations of domestic violence. These situations can be complex, and charges of assault or other offenses can disrupt family relationships and cause other problems. Because the consequences of domestic violence charges can be severe, it is important for anyone facing these accusations to work with an attorney and determine the best defense strategies. The lawyers of the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder provide compassionate legal representation for people throughout Maryland and in Washington, D.C., helping to address charges of domestic violence, defend against convictions, and resolve family conflicts.

How an Attorney Can Help With Domestic Violence Charges

Accusations of domestic violence can be very stressful, and you may be worried about how you and your family will be affected. You could face criminal penalties for assault or other offenses, and if convicted, you may be sentenced to prison or required to pay large fines. You will also have a permanent criminal record that could affect your ability to keep your job, find a place to live, or even continue living in the United States as an immigrant. Other issues could affect your family relationships, such as the loss of custody of your children.

As you address these issues, a skilled attorney can make a difference in your case. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we will investigate the allegations and develop a defense that will help you avoid a conviction while protecting your rights. We will make sure you understand what to say and do when you appear in court, including how you should dress and how you should answer the judge's questions appropriately. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome to this difficult situation while avoiding problems that could affect you and your family in the future.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges in Maryland

Cases involving domestic violence may lead to several different types of criminal charges. In general, you could face domestic violence charges if you are accused of any form of violence against members of your family or people who live in your household. Specific charges that you could face include:

• Assault: Accusations that you have physically harmed a family member or threatened to do so could lead to assault charges. In most cases, assault is a misdemeanor. However, there are some situations where felony aggravated assault charges may apply due to serious injuries, strangling, or the use of a firearm.
• Child Abuse: If you are accused of purposely injuring your child or another child who is a member of your family or lives in your home, you could face charges of child abuse. A conviction of first-degree child abuse, which involves serious injuries or the death of a child, can lead to a prison sentence of up to 25 years. Child abuse resulting in the death of a child over the age of 13 carries a maximum sentence of 40 years, and the death of a child under the age of 13 may lead to a sentence of life in prison. Second-degree child abuse, which may involve injuries that are not life-threatening, carries a maximum sentence of 15 years.
• Sexual Abuse: Accusations of incest, sexual assault, or other sexual offenses against children by family members can result in felony charges. A conviction may lead to a prison sentence of up to 25 years.
• Kidnapping/False Imprisonment: A domestic violence case may involve allegations that you kept a child or other family member confined in your home, which could result in kidnapping charges.
• Stalking: Domestic violence charges may include accusations that you have taken repeated actions that have caused fear or emotional distress for one or more family members. If you are accused of following a person and causing them to fear that they could suffer assault, sexual assault, false imprisonment, or other issues that could lead to serious injuries or death, you could be charged with stalking. This is a misdemeanor offense that could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to $5,000.
• Harassment: Accusations that you have taken actions meant to annoy, alarm, or harass a family member could lead to harassment charges. Harassment is a misdemeanor offense that could lead to a sentence of 90 days in jail and a fine of $500 for a first offense or 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine for a second offense. Harassment through phone calls, text messages, or electronic communication is treated more seriously, and it carries a maximum sentence of three years in jail.

In many cases, domestic violence charges will lead to civil protective orders, which are commonly known as restraining orders. In addition to helping defend against criminal charges related to domestic violence, our attorneys can make sure issues related to protective orders are handled correctly, and we will work to ensure that you can maintain family relationships and avoid disruptions to your life.

Contact Our Rockville Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

If you have been accused of domestic violence, the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help you protect your rights and advocate for solutions that will meet your family's needs. We provide compassionate legal representation in these situations, and we will work with you to resolve these charges successfully. Contact our firm at 301-762-7500 and arrange a free consultation today. We assist with criminal cases in most Maryland counties and Washington, D.C.